Page 18 of The Final Temptation (Men of Honor 3.5)
“Mr. Vail called your father.” I falter, not expecting her to start with that. “He said you went there today and apologized, not only about what happened at supper but also about Brittany’s car.”
My blood heats when I think about apologizing to that bitch. Her parents were good about it, but she was smug as shit and enjoyed every minute of my humiliation. I hate that my parents found out from Mr. Vail and not me. I didn’t think he would call them, especially not so soon. “Yeah, it wasn’t easy but I knew it was the right thing to do,” I admit.
“You’re right, it was the right thing to do, but I wouldn’t have held it against you if you didn’t.”
I tear my gaze away from the darkness and look at my mom now, surprised by her comment. “You wouldn’t?”
“No, because you’re right, Brittany is a Class-A bitch.”
I rear back, shocked by her language. A moment of stunned silence stretches between us before we both burst out laughing. It’s the first time I’ve laughed or smiled in days and it feels really good, but I sober quickly. “Yeah, she is, but I shouldn’t have let her bait me like that. I hate that I ruined things for dad.”
She shakes her head with a smile. “You didn’t ruin anything, honey. Your dad got that contract.”
“He did?”
“He did. That is partly why Mr. Vail called him. He also told your father that he had a very courageous daughter and that he should be really proud of her. Of course we both already knew that.”
I smile and feel some of the guilt lift from me, knowing that I didn’t screw things up beyond repair. “Well I’m glad one good thing came out of this.”
My mom’s expression softens and I already know what she’s about to say before she says it. “How on earth did I not know about your feelings for Cooper?”
Just the sound of his name is like a blow to the stomach. “It’s not like I was really forthcoming about it.”
“No, but when I think about it now it’s clear as day. I hate how oblivious I was and that I didn’t know my baby was in love.” I swallow thickly and feel tears sting my eyes but I hold them back, I’ve shed enough over the last few days. “I really hate that I invited him here with the Vails. I hope you know I would have never done that had I known.”
“Of course I do. Don’t worry about it, Mom, none of it matters anymore anyway,” I tell her softly.
“Oh, and why do you say that?”
It takes me a minute to find my words. “Because I’m not good enough for him, and in his eyes I never will be.” I turn my face away and bite my lip, trying to stop it from quivering.
“Kayla Kellar, look at me right now!” I turn back to her with a blurry gaze and swipe at the single tear that manages to slip free. My mom’s expression is sad as she cups my face. “You listen to me, you are wrong. You’re more than good enough for Cooper.”
“We are so different, too different. Cooper is so levelheaded and I’m…not.”
“Of course you’re different. It wouldn’t be fun otherwise.” I shake my head but she doesn’t let me speak. “Yes, you have a hot temper, and sometimes that makes you react without thinking, but you come by it honestly, and you have your father to thank for it.” I can’t help but smile at that because I know it’s the truth. “Never doubt your self worth, Kayla. I think you and Cooper are perfect for each other and I’m happy to know out of all the people you could have fallen for it was him.”
My smile vanishes and pain lances through me again. “It doesn’t matter. Not anymore. He doesn’t feel the same way.”
“You’re wrong. I saw it that night. He was so panicked when you ran out like that. He really laid into Brittany, and so did your father. He wouldn’t have done that if he didn’t care.” I don’t say anything because I know she doesn’t understand and she isn’t going to. “I don’t know what happened with you guys the other night, but I hate seeing you so heartbroken. Whatever it is, I know y’all can fix it.”
I shake my head again, my throat too tight to speak. Some things can’t be undone.
My mom expels a heavy breath then leans in and kisses my cheek. “Just think about it, sweetheart. Finish your tea then come inside and see your father. He’s worried about you.”
I nod. “Okay, I will.”
She gives me one more kiss then goes inside. I stare into the darkness again and think about everything she had to say. She doesn’t understand because she doesn’t know what he said. And, when I really think about it, I’m starting to realize this is all for the best, no matter how much it hurts. I am irrational and let my emotions get the best of me. It’s just how I’m wired, and the future Sheriff of Sunset Bay doesn’t need that kind of hassle. He is going to have responsibilities and an image to uphold, he doesn’t need my poison.
I shake myself out of my thoughts and worry about a different set of problems, like the fact that prom is this coming weekend and I’m all alone with no date, and I have no one to blame but myself. I was so happy for Julia that she finally got the courage to ask Jaxson, and even more elated that he said yes. She told me to come with them, but no way in hell am I being their third wheel. There isn’t enough time for me to find anyone else to go with, everyone already has dates. Well, maybe not Timmy Dickerhoff, but there is no way I’m going to subject myself to his creepiness just so I’m not dateless. I’d rather not go at all.
